Mesenchymal stem cells from human amniotic membrane

Abstract

The human amnion or amniotic membrane (HAM) has emerged as a novel and alternative source of stem cells. This tissue presents a reservoir of two types of stem cells from different embryological origins: human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs), derived from the mesodermal germ layer, and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs), derived from the ectodermal germ layer. Both types of cells are different in disposition and morphology but have similar phenotypic characterization. hAMSCs are easily to isolate and can be expanded in vitro for several passages, obtaining a large amount of cells. Properties such as to be immune-privileged, antimicrobial, and antitumorogenic make themselves suitable for transplantation, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine. These cells were widely studied due to these properties and to their pluripotent capacity, being a promising clinically tool.